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Stephen Morley, representing the force, opening the five-day hearing, said: 'On this occasion he picked up a ball on his desk - a stress ball about the size of a tennis ball which was made of rubber foam.

'He threw it and it hit Mr O'Malley, it hurt and left a red mark on the neck area.

'He was angry about it, but was worried about his own position. He wanted to be promoted and knew Mr Horne was on the panel to make the decision.'

Mr Horne admitted tossing stress balls to colleagues but not to Mr O'Malley, he told investigators from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

An Essex Police spokesman said: 'We note the findings of the panel. A further hearing will be held in public in due course in order that the Chief Constable, as appropriate authority, can decide on what sanction will be applied.

Chief Superintendent Carl O'Malley, pictured, had a stress ball thrown at him by Mr Horne which left a red mark on his neck. Two weeks later he pushed him over a table

'Those sanctions include management action, written warning, final written warning and do not include dismissal.

'These events happened over two years ago, since when Essex Police has been inspected on ethical conduct and leadership by Her Majesty's Inspectors who found that leaders are aware of the importance of an ethical approach and act as ethical role models.

'We will reflect carefully on the detailed panel findings and will of course look to ensure that any wider learning for the force is taken on board.'

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said DCC Horne's behaviour towards the junior officers was 'unacceptable for any police officer, let alone one of his seniority and experience'.

Regional Director Sarah Green said: 'We expect the highest standards of professional behaviour from the police, and those in senior positions should lead by example.

'Our investigation and the subsequent public hearing has allowed effective scrutiny of this issue.

'We will also make public our investigation report after the Chief Constable of Essex has held a further meeting next month and decided the appropriate sanction DCC Horne should face.'